Studies lead to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering, with available concentrations in biomedical, industrial, mechanical and software engineering.

Engineering at RMU

Engineers are problem-solvers who use science and mathematics to find solutions to the challenges facing society. Problem-solving in the 21st century involves more than just an understanding of engineering principles. Today's engineering projects involve teams of people with diverse educational backgrounds. Instead of narrowly focused individuals, employers seek talented problem solvers able to contribute to improving designs, processes and products.

RMU worked closely with leading companies such as PPG Industries, Westinghouse, American Home Improvement Products, Cutler Hammer, PGT Trucking, Bayer, J&L Specialty Steel and Mobay, among others, to design engineering programs that provide graduates with the skills that employers value the most. These skills include not only engineering fundamentals, but also oral and written communication, project management, teamwork, interpersonal skills, business knowledge, problem solving, critical thinking, global perspective and internship/co-op experience.

Concentration Descriptions

Biomedical Engineering Concentration

Biomedical Engineering (BME) combines knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices to develop devices and procedures that solve complex medical and health-related problems. This RMU concentration emphasizes the combination of Biomechanics and Manufacturing of Biomedical Devices. Biomedical Engineers contribute to the design and improvement of major health-related devices including artificial hearts, prostheses, health management as well as care delivery systems, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions.

Industrial Engineering Concentration

Industrial engineers are big-picture thinkers who organize the people, material, information, equipment and energy to design, develop, implement and improve integrated systems. RMU industrial engineering students also gain strong skills in logistics engineering - a field that deals with the planning, implementation and control of the flow of materials, goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Graduates enter the workforce with the planning, design and operations skills to work with warehouse systems, transportation networks, materials handling devices and industry supply chains.

Mechanical Engineering Concentration

Mechanical engineering is a very versatile field. Mechanical engineers are problem-solvers who apply the principles of mathematics, physics and related engineering sciences to the design and analysis of automobiles, aircraft, heating and cooling systems, buildings and bridges, industrial equipment and machinery, medical devices and more. RMU mechanical engineering graduates can also work in the areas of energy conversion, fuel and combustion technologies, biomedical products, noise control and acoustics, and refrigeration and air conditioning.

Software Engineering Concentration

Software engineering deals with the analysis, design, validation, implementation and maintenance of computer software systems. These systems are often found in products and situations where very high reliability is expected, even under demanding conditions, such as monitoring and controlling nuclear power plants, keeping a modern airliner aloft, computing trajectories for satellites, or controlling robots in surgery. Such applications contain millions of lines of code, making them comparable to the most complex modern machines. RMU software engineering students learn to conceive and develop high-quality software systems for applications in industry, commerce, engineering, government and research.

Curriculum

The 126-credit curriculum has six components. The number of credits required for components 4-6 varies based on the engineering discipline selected.

Robert Morris University Core - 41 creditsThese are the traditional liberal arts requirements of the University. Studies in humanities, communications skills, and social, behavioral, natural and quantitative sciences are included.

Engineering Electives - 6-12 creditsStudents may select from a list of approved engineering courses that suit their personal interests.

The Learning Factory

RMU believes that students learn by doing and that they benefit from practice with the processes and equipment used in industry. The heart of RMU's engineering programs is The Learning Factory, where students gain hands-on experience with design, testing and manufacturing processes and equipment, in much the same way that medical students learn from clinical training in a hospital.

Academic Internship Program

All engineering students are required to complete three credits of an academic internship between their sophomore and senior years to test their engineering skills in an appropriate industry setting. The internship is conducted under the joint supervision of advisors from the University and the industry partner.

Why Choose RMU Engineering?

Small class sizes and personalized attention. At RMU, the average class size is 24 with a faculty-student ratio of 16:1. These numbers are even smaller within the Engineering Department. Your professors will interact directly with you, know you by name, and dedicate extra time and attention as necessary to ensure your success.

Dedicated and experienced faculty. Our engineering faculty has strong academic credentials from reputable institutions, as well as research and/or industry experience. Your professors will bring real-world examples, problems and projects into the classroom to enhance your learning experience. Full-time faculty members, not graduate teaching assistants, will teach all of your classes.

Focused, integrated curricula. You'll be prepared to solve engineering problems in your major field, but you'll also gain skills and understanding beyond technology. Here you'll benefit from RMU's renowned Communications Skills Program, gain an understanding of core business areas, and explore a range of general education courses.

Access to outstanding facilities. You'll benefit directly from a recent $6 million investment in new classrooms, laboratories and instructional technology in our state-of-the-art engineering, science and mathematics facility. You'll have full access to our modern, industrial-grade laboratory and gain hands-on experience with the equipment starting in your freshman year.

Real-world experience. As part of your studies, you'll work on real-world projects and complete an internship or co-op experience as well as a senior design project. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to participate in competitions and student chapters of professional organizations, and to volunteer your time, energy and talent to community service projects.

Support and guidance. Every RMU undergraduate is assigned both an academic advisor and a counselor in the Center for Student Success. Your academic advisor will guide you through your program of study and help you make decisions about educational and career goals. Your counselor will help you to stay on course as you navigate your way through college life and beyond.

Salary Information

Position Title

Position Salary

Consulting

$54,051

Field Engineering

$52,886

Management Trainee

$41,104

Manufacturing/Industrial

$50,810

Production Engineering

$52,293

Project Engineering

$49,981

Software Design and Development

$55,372

Systems Analysis and Design

$52,773

Systems/Programming

$52,888

Quality Control

$47,125

Testing

$61,000

The information in this chart is based off of 2006 nation mean salaries